Training day

Written by Staff Reports Tuesday, 14 February 2012 11:34

Sheriffs Officer Jose Gomez trains with Bama, an 11-month-old puppy training with the Atlantic County K-9 academy. After the initial 16-week course, Bama will work as a patrol/narcotic dog, then begin work on scent training. (Photo by Bill Barlow)

PETERSBURG – K-9 officers from throughout South Jersey have been gathering at Amanda’s Field on Route 50 to work with their dogs.

Officer C. Robell, with the Hamilton Township Police Department, said the Atlantic County K-9 Academy’s new site up the road in Corbin City has obstacle courses and other training areas for the dogs, but early in their training they need an open field. He said as the weather warms, and the park sees more use, the academy will likely have to find a new spot.

Some neighbors have already taken notice. Some officers from Camden working with a dog said several people have asked them what was going on at the field.

Cape May County Sheriffs Officer Jose Gomez was working with Bama, an 11-month-old German shepherd who will be a patrol/narcotics dog. Gomez said the dog lives with him at his Rio Grande home.

“I always loved dogs. I always had a dog as a kid,” Gomez said. When his department had an opening in the K-9 unit, he applied and was accepted, Gomez said.